B.C. men charged in moose riding case [with VIDEO]

Charges have been laid against two Fort Nelson men who posted a video of themselves pursuing a swimming moose until one of them was able to jump on its back.

The men are to make their first appearance in provincial court in Fort Nelson on August 8 to face three charges under the Wildlife Act, said Chris Doyle, deputy chief of the B.C. Conservation Officer Service. Charges are for harassing wildlife with a boat, attempting to capture wildlife and hunting a big game animal that is swimming.

The video was identified as being shot from a boat on the Tochodi Lakes southwest of Fort Nelson in the summer of 2014. It shows the boat chasing a swimming moose until one man in plaid swimming trunks jumps on the moose’ back while his friends laugh. The ride appears to last only a few seconds before the man falls off and the moose is able to wade towards shore.

Doyle said conservation officers will be on patrol during the Canada Day weekend and throughout the summer, checking boats for safety and compliance with freshwater fishing regulations, as well as campfire size and securing food and garbage to avoid attracting bears to campsites.